Abstract: The γp→K+Λ(1520) reaction mechanism is investigated within a Regge--effective Lagrangian hybrid approach based on our previous study of this reaction [Physical Review C89, 015203 (2014)]. Near threshold and for large K+ angles, both the CLAS and LEPS data can be successfully described by considering the contributions from the contact, t-channel K¯ exchange, u-channel Λ(1115) hyperon pole, and the s-channel nucleon pole and N∗(2120) resonance contributions. However, for higher energies and forward K+ angles, systematic discrepancies with data appear, which hint the possible existence of sizable quark-gluon string mechanism effects. We show how the inclusion of a K¯ Regge--trajectory exchange in the t-channel leads to an efficient description of the Λ(1520) photoproduction channel over the whole energy and angular ranges accessible in the CLAS experiment.

Abstract: The study of pion production in nuclei is important for signal and background determinations in current and future neutrino oscillation experiments. The first step, however, is to understand the pion production reactions at the free nucleon level. We present an exhaustive study of the charged-current and neutral-current neutrino and antineutrino pion production off nucleons, paying special attention to the angular distributions of the outgoing pion. We show, using general arguments, that parity violation and time-reversal odd correlations in the weak differential cross sections are generated from the interference between different contributions to the hadronic current that are not relatively real. Next, we present a detailed comparison of three state-of-the-art, microscopic models for electroweak pion production off nucleons, and we also confront their predictions with polarized electron data, as a test of the vector content of these models. We also illustrate the importance of carrying out a comprehensive test at the level of outgoing pion angular distributions, going beyond comparisons done for partially integrated cross sections, where model differences cancel to a certain extent. Finally, we observe that all charged and neutral current distributions show sizable anisotropies, and identify channels for which parity-violating effects are clearly visible. Based on the above results, we conclude that the use of isotropic distributions for the pions in the center of mass of the final pion-nucleon system, as assumed by some of the Monte Carlo event generators, needs to be improved by incorporating the findings of microscopic calculations.

Abstract: Quantum chromodynamics presents a series of exact and approximate symmetries which can be exploited to predict new hadrons from previously known ones. The Z(c)(3900) and Z(c)(4020), which have been theorized to be isovector D*(D) over bar and D*(D) over bar* molecules [I-G(J(PC)) = 1(-)(1)(+-))], are no exception. Here we argue that from SU(3)-flavor symmetry, we should expect the existence of strange partners of the Z(c)'s with hadronic molecular configurations D*(D) over bar (s) – D (D) over bar*(s) and D*(D) over bar*(s) (or, equivalently, quark content c (c) over bars (q) over bar, with q = u, d). The quantum numbers of these Z(cs) and Z(cs)* structures would be I(J(P)) = 1/2 (1(+)). The predicted masses of these partners depend on the details of the theoretical scheme used, but they should be around the D*(D) over bar (s) – D (D) over bar*(s) and D*(D) over bar*(s) thresholds, respectively. Moreover, any of these states could be either a virtual pole or a resonance. We show that, together with a possible triangle singularity contribution, such a picture nicely agrees with the very recent BESIII data of the e(+)e(-) -> K+((Ds-D*0) + D*D--(s)0).

Abstract: New and more precise measurements of neutrino cross sections have renewed interest in a better understanding of electroweak interactions on nucleons and nuclei. This effort is crucial to achieving the precision goals of the neutrino oscillation program, making new discoveries, like the CP violation in the leptonic sector, possible. We review the recent progress in the physics of neutrino cross sections, putting emphasis on the open questions that arise in the comparison with new experimental data. Following an overview of recent neutrino experiments and future plans, we present some details about the theoretical development in the description of (anti) neutrino-induced quasielastic (QE) scattering and the role of multi-nucleon QE-like mechanisms. We cover not only pion production in nucleons and nuclei but also other inelastic channels including strangeness production and photon emission. Coherent reaction channels on nuclear targets are also discussed. Finally, we briefly describe some of the Monte Carlo event generators, which are at the core of all neutrino oscillation and cross-section measurements.

Abstract: As a result of a new improved fit to old bubble chamber data of the dominant axial C-5(A) nucleon-to-delta form factor, and due to the relevance of this form factor for neutrino induced coherent pion production, we reevaluate our model predictions in [Phys. Rev. D 79, 013002 ( 2009)] for different observables of the latter reaction. Central values for the total cross sections increase by 20%-30%, while differential cross sections do not change their shape appreciably. Furthermore, we also compute the uncertainties on total, differential, and flux-averaged cross sections induced by the errors in the determination of C-5(A). Our new results turn out to be compatible within about 1 sigma with the former ones. Finally, we stress the existing tension between the recent experimental determination of the sigma(CCcoh pi(+))/sigma(NCcoh pi(0)) ratio by the SciBooNE Collaboration and the theoretical predictions.